Howard L. Tompkins

A Memorial Service for Howard L. Tompkins, 86, of Rochester will be at 11:00am on Monday, December 30, 2013 at Christ United Methodist Church with the Reverend Martha Hendricks officiating.Private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.Visitation will be from 3:00-5:00pm on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Howard Lowell Tompkins was born on January 4, 1927 in Williamstown, Missouri to Harry and Laura Lee (Howard) Tompkins.He died on December 18, 2013 at his home. Howard lived most of his life in Rochester and graduated from Rochester High School in1944.He played on the 1944 men's basketball team that went to the state tournament.He served in the United States Navy from 1944-1946 and graduated from Hamline University.He later did graduate work at the University of Colorado, UCLA and Stanford.On June 10, 1950 he married Jane Hegge in Rochester and she passed away on March 16, 2009. Howard taught and coached men's basketball in Hanska and LeCenter before moving back to Rochester.He taught at Rochester High School, John Marshall High School and Mayo High School for 30 years, retiring in 1986.Most of his career was spent as a math teacher.He was head basketball coach from 1956-1960 and took one team to the state tournament.He enjoyed collecting and repairing antique clocks, fishing, traveling and spending time with grandchildren and family. Survivors include his three daughters, Martha (Thomas) Link, Mary Tompkins and Melissa (Angel) Garcia, all of Rochester; two grandchildren, Natalie and Alex Garcia and nieces and nephews, Larry and Lynn Hudnut and Nanette Williams and families.He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, and one sister, Norma Hudnut. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Mayo Clinic Alzheimer Research or Seasons Hospice.